Police to hold free motorcycle skills classes

Published: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 5:58 p.m.

Police departments across North Carolina are holding free training sessions to improve motorcycle riders’ skills through the program Bikesafe NC.

Law enforcement officials say safety is paramount when riding a motorcycle, and it’s extremely important that riders have the proper skills while hitting the road.

Rider Skills Days are being held at participating police departments year-round, including Hendersonville and other locations in Western North Carolina, said Lt. Mike Vesely, WNC regional coordinator.

Upcoming classes will be held in Franklin on April 5, Asheville on April 12 and Hendersonville on April 19.

Vesely, an 18-year-veteran of the Hendersonville Police Department, along with Lt. Chris LeRoy and officer Jason Smith, who serve on the same force, are official assessors for the program funded through the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the community.

Officer Jimmy Nitsche is on his way to becoming the fourth assessor in Hendersonville, Vesely said.

Rider Skills Days teach motorcyclists professional techniques along with motorcycle control, causes of collisions and security.

“It brings awareness of rider’s limitations and their ability to use the machine successfully,” Vesely said of the program he has facilitated for two years. “We know they have the skills. We want to refresh those skills and continue the education and training.”

“It’s great anytime you have police departments and other public safety entities that work on education as well as enforcement,” Blake said.

Amena McShea of Etowah used skills she learned last May during her riding assessment while participating in Rider Skills Days. She was in formation with three other students and four officers who were all wearing proper safety gear, including reflective vests, when a vehicle pulled out in front of the group.

It was a close call but no one was hurt. The course and near-collision reinforced her sense of awareness.

<p>Police departments across North Carolina are holding free training sessions to improve motorcycle riders' skills through the program Bikesafe NC.</p><p>Law enforcement officials say safety is paramount when riding a motorcycle, and it's extremely important that riders have the proper skills while hitting the road. </p><p>Rider Skills Days are being held at participating police departments year-round, including Hendersonville and other locations in Western North Carolina, said Lt. Mike Vesely, WNC regional coordinator.</p><p>Upcoming classes will be held in Franklin on April 5, Asheville on April 12 and Hendersonville on April 19.</p><p>Vesely, an 18-year-veteran of the Hendersonville Police Department, along with Lt. Chris LeRoy and officer Jason Smith, who serve on the same force, are official assessors for the program funded through the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program and the community.</p><p>Officer Jimmy Nitsche is on his way to becoming the fourth assessor in Hendersonville, Vesely said.</p><p>Rider Skills Days teach motorcyclists professional techniques along with motorcycle control, causes of collisions and security.</p><p>“It brings awareness of rider's limitations and their ability to use the machine successfully,” Vesely said of the program he has facilitated for two years. “We know they have the skills. We want to refresh those skills and continue the education and training.” </p><p>Hendersonville Police Chief Herbert Blake supports the program, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-road assessments. Topics also include observation skills, hazard management and collision avoidance.</p><p>“It's great anytime you have police departments and other public safety entities that work on education as well as enforcement,” Blake said.</p><p>Amena McShea of Etowah used skills she learned last May during her riding assessment while participating in Rider Skills Days. She was in formation with three other students and four officers who were all wearing proper safety gear, including reflective vests, when a vehicle pulled out in front of the group.</p><p>It was a close call but no one was hurt. The course and near-collision reinforced her sense of awareness.</p><p>“Always scan ahead and be defensive,” McShea said.</p><p>For more information and class schedules, visit www.bikesafenc.com.</p><p>Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.</p>